Key facts
- The U.S. has imposed 50% tariffs on over 550 Canadian goods, including hockey sticks, skates, and goalie gear.
- Prices for hockey equipment like helmets and chest protectors have already seen substantial increases.
- Experts are divided on the extent to which the new tariffs will further inflate hockey gear prices.
- Some manufacturers may initially absorb the tariff costs, delaying immediate price hikes for consumers.
- The long-term impact of the tariffs depends on their duration and potential shifts in production locations.
The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on over 550 Canadian goods, a move that threatens to further increase the already soaring costs of hockey equipment. For families like Kelly Rand's in St. Paul, Minnesota, the rising prices of essential gear like helmets and chest protectors are a significant concern, especially as children experience growth spurts.
Items such as hockey sticks and skates are among the goods targeted by the White House tariffs. John Merola, Director of E-commerce at B&R Sports, noted that custom equipment, including skates and goalie gear, is manufactured in Canada by companies like True Hockey and imported into the U.S. He stated that an average hockey stick now costs $200, with high-end models reaching $400, and that major brands like Bauer and CCM still produce many custom items in Canada.
Todd Smith, CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, described the tariffs as a "big deal," emphasizing that even with some manufacturing shifts away from Canada, a substantial amount of equipment is still produced there. The amount spent on hockey equipment has already increased by 45.4% from 2020 to 2025, reaching $332.9 million, coinciding with increased participation in the sport.
While U.S. International Trade Commission data shows that gear from Canada constitutes a relatively small portion of total imports (8.5%), the impact on specific items like hockey sticks is notable. Last year, only 0.9% of imported hockey sticks came from Canada, with the majority originating from China and Mexico.
Economists like Chris Douglas from the University of Michigan-Flint are skeptical that stick prices will rise by the full 50% across the board, but acknowledge that even a modest increase could deter families on the financial margin from enrolling their children in hockey. He noted that the duration of the tariffs is a critical factor; if they are expected to be long-term, prices will likely rise more quickly.
Merola recalled that when Trump imposed tariffs on China, major manufacturers like Bauer and CCM initially absorbed the costs before eventually passing them on to consumers. A similar delay might occur with the current tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suggested that trade talks could resume if Washington shows seriousness in negotiations.
Long-term tariffs could also incentivize companies to relocate production to the U.S., Asia, or other regions. However, Roustan Hockey, a significant Canadian hockey stick manufacturer, has reaffirmed its commitment to producing its sticks in Canada. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association is actively lobbying for the removal of these tariffs, particularly as U.S. hockey participation has grown by 7% in the last three years. Smith expressed concern that the tariffs could "stunt that growth" at a time when efforts are being made to make the sport more accessible through programs offering free equipment and ice time.